Nick Yulman

Lev’s Adventures in Etherland

Lev's Adventures in Etherland is video game that uses the theremin, an early electronic musical instrument played without touching, as a controller, prompting players to generate music as they play the game.

http://bit.ly/etherland

Classes
Basic Analog Circuits,Sound and The City: Sound and Urban Intervention


Lev's Adventures in Etherland is video game that uses the theremin, an early electronic musical instrument played without touching, as a controller, prompting players to generate music as they play the game. The movement of the player's right hand in relation to the theremin's vertical antenna controls both the pitch of the instrument and position of the player on screen. The prizes and obstacles that prompt movement are generated to create a stochastic score for the player to perform as they attempt to score points. As a player's score increases, sonic elements (analog electronics and electro-mechanical percussion) situated around them become activated, creating a bed of sound over which the game is played.

This project is a playful exploration of the theremin as one of the earliest natural motion user interfaces and of the video game as a tool for structuring and controlling music.

User Scenario
Visitors to the show will be able to step up and try their hand at the game. Even those without any prior experience playing the theremin will be able to control the game with a little practice.